Reflection
Today’s readings, despite their focus on jealousy, treachery, and murder, teach us that dreams come true. As we heard weeks ago from Sirach, “Before everyone are life and death, whichever they choose will be given them.” We have to choose which dreams to follow.
The ancient Greek tragedians had their tragic heroes suffer from hamartia, a fatal flaw in their thinking. Joseph’s brothers choose to sell him into slavery out of jealousy; the tenants of the vineyard slay the landowner’s son out of greed. Their failure to care about the suffering of others, their flawed thinking, causes them to sin. The behavior of the tenants grows worse throughout the reading, until finally murder seems an acceptable choice.
There is a belief that it takes 10,000 to become an expert at something. If we spend our lives dwelling in jealousy, resentment, bitterness, greed, we can become experts at them. However, we can choose otherwise: to become experts at forgiveness, mercy, love. “Set before you are fire and water; to whatever you choose, stretch out your hand.” Dreams come true. What we work for—consciously or unconsciously—will come to pass. Choose wisely.
Prayer
Joseph’s brothers refer to him disdainfully as “that master dreamer.” God, inspire us to be Your master dreamers. Give us the gift of wisdom and clear thinking. Guide us to do our part in working to build Your Kingdom.
TJ Bird Matarazzo, ’98, Member of the Worshipping Community
First Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a
Psalm 105:16-21
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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